How To Make Felted Wool

For a while now, I have been trying to work with what I already have…and repurpose as much as I can. Not too long ago I came across a couple of projects that called for felted wool. At first, I thought what I needed was wool felt. After doing a little more research, I discovered that felted wool and wool felt are NOT the same thing. Confused?

So was I! It’s really very simple though. Wool felt is purchased like fabric. From a bolt by the yard, in squares or sometimes in strips. Felted wool can be made simply by throwing a thrift store sweater in the washing machine!

Why would you want felted wool? BECAUSE IT DOESN’T UNRAVEL. When I found this out I was determined to learn how to make felted wool and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. Here’s the process:

1. Find old sweaters that are at least 80% wool. 100% wool is best but they are hard to find in the thrift stores. (I found a couple of perfect sweaters in my husband’s closet but he refused to part with them.) My trip to Goodwill resulted in just 3 sweaters that I could use.

2. Turn your sweaters inside-out. Using the normal amount of laundry detergent, wash them on the hot wash/cold rinse cycle. Select the largest load size so you have lots of water swishing around.

3. Dry them on the highest heat setting your dryer has. Pull them out as soon as they are finished. You may have to iron them a little to make them lie nice and flat.

That’s it! Now you are ready to transform your felted wool sweaters into all sorts of wonderful things…plus you will be repurposing something which is always a good thing.

Thoughts from my friends...

Yes I think it can but honestly I have not tried. I think I have a very old gray cardigan that is cashmere if I haven’t donated it already. I can try and let you know? Or if you try it let me know if it came out OK.

I never, ever knew this was so simple to do! I think that I already have an old and scratchy wood sweater in my closet that I can use and I’ll be checking out the thrift stores too. Thank you for sharing.

Omigoodness, I love this!!!! I just bought a bunch of felt for some projects and never even knew there was something called felted wool. I can see so many uses for this and my wheels are spinning. Thanks for sharing this, Ann. Perfect timing! Going to visit Goodwill this weekend!

I have been going to do this for a while…and I even have some old wool things set aside. Maybe that will be a good project for me next week. Can’t wait to see what you do with your felted wool- xo Diana

I have done this with a thrift store sweater but have not made anything with it yet. I thought I would make a purse and felt some designs on it and haven’t got up the nerve to start it. Can’t wait to see your creations!

I’m looking forward to your project! In my closet is a 50 year old ski sweater, 100% wool, gorgeous colors, and I’ve never been able to part with it. Now it has a productive future ahead of it – Thanks!

Jan as much as I’m looking forward to trying this technique on some less special sweaters i have , I’m not sure i would “damage” a 50 year old sweater that still has good color. Could you cut and sew it into a pillow without shrinking it and possibly distorting the colors.?

Ann – I’ve always wanted to experiment with a felted wool project. I can’t wait to see what your first project is. Yesterday I tossed an old Eddie Bauer sweater in the good will pile – I just went and checked and its 80% wool!!!! Saving that! Now I need to do a project. Thanks for this great post. Hope your new year is off to a great start. ~ Dori ~

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